Proposes Current Events Clubs for Adult Education

October 3, 1932

Improvement of adult education through Jewish Current Events Clubs is urged by Miss Sarah Kussy, chairman of the Cultural Committee of the Women’s League of the United Synagogue of America and associate editor of the “Women’s League Outlook,” the organ of the body.

In the current issue of the publication, Miss Kussy proposes a program for the study groups to be organized for the study groups of the Women’s League and suggests that the Jewish Daily Bulletin be used as a basis for study and discussion.

“Living, as we do in an age that is witnessing constant upheavals taking place in the life about us, it is hardly necessary to reiterate the importance of adult education,” Miss Kussy writes.

“And the sisterhood is the place where adult education should be sought and obtained. That is why we have always stressed the Jewish cultural program for general meetings. A brief summary of current Jewish events should be presented at every regular meeting. It would be well to assign the task to someone specially fitted for it. A study circle on the subject would enable the members to go more deeply into the subject. We here offer some suggestions:

“Use the Jewish Daily Bulletin; Present what is taking place in America, in Europe, in Palestine; Summarize essentials. Point out the pleasant, as well as unpleasant features of the day’s news, the constructive, as well as destructive elements; Make deductions from what is happening. Point out the historic background. Show the analogy between present and past happenings, along similar lines; Call forth questions. Stimulate discussion. Try to understand controversial problems, so that it may become clear where you stand in the matter; In the midst of the chaotic conditions of today, is Jewish life moving forward, or drifting aimlessly in a circle? Study national and international Jewish organizations. Know your local institutions and organizations; Where do you stand today in Jewish life? Try to arrive at positive convictions; Current Jewish Events is a live and interesting topic. The study of it will open new viewpoints to us; What study circles have you already formed? Let us know about them in detail so that others may profit through your experience; Would you like to have us outline for you a course on any particular subject? If so let us know. The league is ready to serve you.”